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Authors Note: Some generic warnings before you start – Creature fic with the usual fluffy/angsty stuff associated with it. Out of Character references obviously. Not canon compliant (AU). This is meant as a one-shot but may add more chapters, depending on plot progression and feedback.

. . .

Exams were always going to be stressful, but for Harry Potter, his daily routine became a chore in itself. Riddled with anxiety and stress over when his next episode might occur, left him feeling tense and on edge each day. He knew his grades were being affected, he'd missed too many classes now to be able to catch up and his examinations would be fruitless to even attempt, yet he had to do them.

"Harry, I'm sorry but you cannot play Quidditch again in the final game, or ever. If this happens out on the pitch, then you will not only endanger yourself, but others who are close. This is not a decision I can make lightly, however, taking your condition into account, this is the only way."

See, in the Wizarding world, not all Muggle illnesses could be cured so easily, as Madame Pomfrey had pointed out. There were neurological areas that were not explored by Witches and Wizards because they were seen as a superior race. Unfortunately, because there were so many Muggle borns and Half-bloods being integrated within their society now, the threat of Muggle illnesses spreading into hospitals was growing.

To hear this news had been devastating, Quidditch was his life and it was something he was good at. Next year was supposed to be his best year yet as they would be graduating students. This was his time to find some stability with his career and look at future relationships, not having to worry about when he might have his next embarrassing moment, usually in front of a lot of people.

"Mr. Potter, I cannot have you in my class, handling volatile ingredients as your situation stands. It is a danger to yourself and the other students working in close proximity. It's a shame, you would have made a good Potioneer in the future, but my recommendation for your removal stands and I will speak with the Headmaster promptly."

Harry needed potions to pursue a career in the Auror division within the Ministry of Magic, he wanted to follow in his fathers footsteps and round up the bad eggs that were raised within the Wizarding society. But again, he was stalled by the exclusion of one important subject because he was unable to control his episodes, they could happen at any time, anywhere, around any one. No support whatsoever from Professor Slughorn.

Professor McGonagall certainly kept a close eye on him when they were in Transfiguration, expecting him to keel over at any moment and Professor Flitwick always made sure to be standing as high up as possible so he could asses the situation, even going so far as to relocate Harry by the door in case he needed to be levitated from the classroom in a hurry. Professor Trelawny had suggested that she inform Harry when he was next going to have a moment when she did her daily readings but had missed seven out of the nine he'd had in the past two months, which did nothing for his anxiety. Madame Pince had kicked him from the library for causing a ruckus, Hagrid didn't particularly understand what was going on but had vowed to keep a close eye when he was making his daily rounds of castle grounds. And Professor Dumbledore? He let it all happen.

"Harry, my lad, there is nothing we can do for you. It will be something that you must ride out and will be supported during these difficult times. And, as you are not a legal adult yet, I must regretfully inform you that your summer will be spent with your family. I am sure they could provide you with medical care and a Muggle specialist might prove useful in a diagnosis."

The Headmasters words had stung him the most out of everything he'd been through and that was saying a lot. The Pure-blood students had made a point of remarking snidely towards his situation, not comprehending that it was something that could not be fixed in the traditional sense. His housemates took extra steps to try and avoid him but when an episode happened in front of them, and he came to, they would laugh along with the others. The more nasty Muggle-borns and Half-bloods would mock him endlessly when he wet himself, but when his body went rigid as it did, he had no control over his limbs or internal organs. He was completely at the mercy of his condition. And what was this condition, you might wonder?

Harry Potter, orphaned at the age of one, with terrible eyesight and average intelligence, suffered from epileptic seizures.

Hermione was good to him, she understood the difficulties associated with unpredictable seizures, her Aunt had in fact suffered from them when she had been alive but they had never found anything wrong with her to make a diagnosis. She knew that there were several types, some were unpredictable, yes, but others could be triggered by stress or anxiety, others by an action that caused their mind to jumble. It wasn't a nice experience to watch someone fitting, but she did her best to make him comfortable during them, knowing the dangers of the body's reaction and always made sure his head was supported. When she was around, it would always be a quick flick of her wand to remove any traces of his bladder leaking through his trousers, but sometimes they weren't so lucky to avoid one or two people having seen it.

"We will get through this." She would tell him, "There will be research we can use to figure out what triggers these."

And Harry would always reply with, "It's useless, Hermione. My relatives won't allow me to see a doctor and will only fuel their taunts at me being a freak."

Whilst the Witch tried to empathize with him, she really couldn't and had badgered Ron multiple times to steal the new flying car his father had purchased with the twins and whip Harry away from the horrid place he had to live over the summers. Every time, Ron would shudder at the memory of them crashing the old car into the Whomping Willow, before it hightailed it off into the forest, to be claimed by monsters and spiders. He would have to speak with his mother about intervening, but even she was hesitant after strict words from the Headmaster about his placement at Privet Drive.

If only there was a way to escape the pain, to just make it all disappear and end. Well, there was one way, he was sure it would work because no one was immortal. He thought about it constantly but not ready to commit just yet, he wanted to get examinations over so he could get on with his summer, and hopefully if he did well enough in those he would consider going back for his final year. It all seemed depressing, the colour leaving his life and turning into various degrees of grey tones. He hated his life; he hated dealing with this. He wanted it all to go away.

Defence. His last exam. Things had gone quite well so far, he'd had a mini seizure two nights prior but had been in the safety of his own bed when it happened and only woke feeling disorientated with Ron and Neville peering through his curtains to make sure he hadn't choked on his tongue. He knew they didn't really know what to do in this situation and he tried to explain that they couldn't do anything to fix it but their hesitance didn't particularly fill him with confidence. As such, he was nearing the end of their allocated examination time for Defence Against the Dark Arts when the unfortunate happened.

Harry felt a muscle spasm in his neck, the only warning he was given before everything went blank in his mind, unaware of falling sideways and smacking his head on the stone floor with an audible crack. Silence continued to reign over the hall, except the jerking of metal legs of Harry's desk being rattled from his seizing legs that were up against it. The noise echoed through the hall and people looked on as they watched one of their own having a seizure, his body rigid and shaking uncontrollably.

"Nobody speak or move. Keep your eyes to yourself and on the examination paper." Severus growled at the students who were gawking and knelt down to the Gryffindor's head, holding it gently so it didn't jerk about and get hit once more.

He watched as his student fitted before him and knew he could do nothing to stop it. Nothing could have prepared him to deal with it, none of the staff knew as it had never happened in their care before. His full length black robes sheltered most who were behind him but not the ones sitting in front and he grit his teeth violently when soft giggles bubbled up. He knew what they were laughing at, but this was nothing humorous at all and to do so said more about those individuals than any test would have. Sliding his wand from his trouser pocket, the wet patch on the teens uniform and excess that leaked onto the floor had disappeared as he had stopped convulsing. There was always a risk Harry would seize again, so he shifted the body onto his side into a recovery position and waited for Poppy to arrive after Minerva had sent a Patronus. He was lucky to have her supporting him in the examination supervisions this afternoon, he knew she wouldn't tolerate the students behaviour if it had of gotten out of hand.

Harry came to an hour later and lay in his cot, staring blankly at the ceiling. He'd had another one, he didn't remember having it but considering he had no recollection and woke up in the Infirmary, he deduced that's what had happened. Frowning up at the light stone above him, he tried to think back on the last thing he remembered and came up with lunch. Didn't he have an exam this afternoon? Oh, someone was holding his hand. It was Hermione and she was looking sadly at him, squeezing his hand gently when they made eye contact.

"You've been out cold for an hour. We had our Defence exam and you had a seizure with twenty minutes to go. Professor Snape brought you here, kept your modesty, and Madame Pomfrey will be back in a moment to give you a potion for your tongue."

Frowning again, Harry went to speak but found the majority of his mouth felt as though it was full. Closing his eyes and turning his head away from Hermione, he the tears gather in his eyes before letting one roll down his cheek. Professor Snape? Really? It just had to be in front of him… He didn't know what was worse, the effects his condition had or the fact those effects would have been evident to his Professor when fitting. The whole thing was embarrassing and he wanted all the pain to stop.

"Harry, we'll get through this." Hermione tried to assure him, but it fell on deaf ears as it usually did because in his mind he was thinking, it's useless Hermione.

. . .

Standing helplessly at Kings Cross station, Harry waited for his relatives to come and pick him up. They were late. Again. He was now the last student to still be sitting at the station, even though he was outside and in the designated area he had been informed to be when they came past. He was in two minds about being back in Surrey for the summer, good because people couldn't laugh at him and away from the Professor's who did nothing; but anxious because he was spending it with his relatives who wouldn't give him medical support. He could only imagine the grief he'd be given if he had an accident on the floor if he were to collapse whilst down stairs and considered just staying in his room the whole time. He'd need to get some plastic sheets or bags to put beneath him when he slept so he didn't soil the bed, and perhaps put them on the floor in case he happened to fall there during a seizure.

Finally the Toyota Prius arrived and Harry gripped his trunk tightly, wheeling it towards the white vehicle. It was just his Uncle in the car today but he still climbed into the back, knowing he had no right to be up the front. His mood hadn't changed since having dropped him off at the end of his previous summer, so didn't speak apart from giving his thanks for having been picked up. Gazing out the window as London passed him by, Harry let his head rest against the window and closed his eyes. It was going to be a long summer.

"I had a letter from that freak school of yours boy." Vernon spat, his eyes glued to the road in front.

"Okay…?" Harry said unsurely, wondering if it had something to do with his examinations.

"That crackpot thinks there's something wrong with you. Wants you looked at by a doctor, of all people. Well, yes, you do need a doctor and perhaps a straight jacket whilst they're at it." He snarled and Harry caught his eye in the rear mirror.

"They're seizures. It's nothing freak related, I assure you."

"Ah, finally driven you insane, hmm? Well, we'll see, boy."

Harry didn't reply but in his mind he knew that the moment he made an unsavory mess somewhere, they'd have him shipped out quicker than he could finish seizing. Petunia was no different, though she did look at him as if he had some contagious disease that would infect her at the mere glance. Dudley wasn't there, he was thankful for that, he had no doubt the fat lard would have been informed or overhead a conversation about him and would use it for his amusement.

The first week went without incident, not that it helped his anxiety over it. To get himself out of the house, he had elected to source some part time work to get him through the summer break but was finding it hard to get anyone to take him seriously past the point of, any medical conditions, to which he needed to tick yes and then explain what he had. Apparently it was a liability and made him feel even worse about his situation. Certainly if he ended his life, not many people would care, in fact, there would be two. Hermione and Ron. That's it.

He was wrong however, and from a distance a dark figure followed him down the street, waiting to make himself known but using his patience to find the right time. He had no doubt Harry wouldn't want to see him, but what he had to offer would make everything better, sweeter.

. . .

Week two and it finally happened. Harry had been watching television on the floor at the end of the couch when he felt his vision blur over. What happened next should have been in a soap opera as Dudley started screaming that his cousin was possessed as the skinny raven haired teen slumped sideways and convulsed. Petunia was in the lounge within an instant, her mouth covered in shock, before Vernon waddled in after hearing the commotion and was about to hurl abuse. However, they all stayed where they were and watched their cousin shake and jerk uncontrollably for a considerable length of time, his head banging against the floor and leg of the couch.

When he came to, Harry was lying out in the grass of their backyard and blinked in confusion. It was dark outside, with the only light coming through from the conservatory which had its lights still on and curtains not pulled. His head ached and mouth felt tight, the taste of metallic running down his throat. He was able to swivel his tongue around in his mouth so he was happy he hadn't bitten it in half, but it was sore at the tip, which must have gotten caught between his teeth. Rolling over, he felt something damp and groaned, knowing exactly what had happened. With the aid of house lighting, he saw a considerable patch at his crotch that had been soaked through and felt himself shake with shame. He was clearly out here because he'd had an episode inside, but disheartened because he was now outside.

The smell of urine caught in his nose, and on weakened limbs he was able to stand and hobble over to the house. He went to try the door but was surprised to find it locked. Vernon was sitting on the couch with Dudley, so he banged on the glass with his fist to get their attention. It wasn't a mistake, they had locked him outside on purpose but all he wanted was to get a shower and then go to bed where he could wear his shame in peace and quiet. They didn't rouse however, so he banged louder and yelled at his Uncle to let him in. It was enough to get the man looking over his shoulder and knowing they wouldn't want the neighbors to hear, Harry tried again but louder.

"Will you quit it already! You'll wake the neighbors." Petunia poked her head out of the second story window and he grunted at her.

"Then bloody let me in so I can clean myself up."

"Oh no, boy. You make a mess like an animal, you can stay outside like one."

"What?" It wasn't a question, it was said in disbelief and he stared up at her incredulously, "I just want a shower, can't you let me do that so I can clean myself up?"

"There's a hose." She snapped back and then the window was closed with a bang.

He wasn't some filthy animal that should be kept outside, he was a man with a medical condition, but like he'd had to endure at school, there was simply no place in the world for a boy like him. He could try and get into the house, use his magic to open the door but knew the Ministry would come knocking. Narrowing his eyes, he looked around the garden but he didn't find anything inspiring, nor an item that would help him. The situation made him feel bitterly sick in his stomach, he couldn't go anywhere in this state either, so he would have to wash himself with the hose as suggested or risk getting caught by the Muggle authorities because he did actually look like he was homeless. And I smell like one too, he conceded sadly, moving to sit on the grass and flop backwards to stare up at the stars.

He decided that he would, in fact, use the hose when the sun broke in the following morning as there was a better chance of him drying off rather than sleeping wet. He wasn't silly, he didn't want to get a cold on top of everything else he had to deal with. Some time during the night he shifted and curled up by the door for shelter in case there was a summer shower during the night. What he didn't expect to find however, when it was still dark, was to be woken suddenly by the touch of a warm hand on his shoulder. Blearily opening his eyes, the black silhouette was kneeling over him but he couldn't see the persons face, only caught the scent of someone familiar. When he felt the wave of magic over his body, he instantly knew who was there and went to try and stand up, only to be held down gently.

"Sir?"

"Shh."

The man stood and with his wand, Harry heard a click of the doors lock go and open. Shuffling aside, Harry looked up at his visitor who then held out a hand to help him into standing. He wanted to ask what he was doing here, feeling humiliated and relieved simultaneously as they ascended the stairs, before Harry took the lead and crept towards his bedroom. He had expected that he would simply be left in there and the older Wizard would disappear again, but he didn't and quietly shut his bedroom door behind them. Feeling awkward, Harry swallowed and went to sit down, still feeling disorientated from his seizure that had only been a few hours ago. He was grateful of course to be clean, even if it was a magical clean, he could still feel grime on him but at least the unsavoury smell of his own bodily fluids weren't permeating in the room.

"This cannot continue. You are important; no one should be locked outside for this. Do your relatives have no common sense or heart?"

"Evidently not." Harry responded in a whispered tone.

"I come to offer you a way out, a reprieve from your condition."

"Y-You have a cure?"

"Not a traditional one, it is dangerous, costly and will alter your life forever, however you will be freed from the bounds of these seizures and will be able to continue things you enjoy. I see the way your friends tread lightly, how your housemates avoid you and the rest of your classmates ridicule your actions as if you could control them. I come offering you a new life."

"Well, I have money, that's not – "

"Costly with your traditions and life, not monetary. Mr. Potter, I will care for you and no one will ever lay a hand on you again. Your needs will be my everything, never again will you spill tears because of something you cannot predict. Come with me."

The offer, whatever it may be, seemed tempting but his Professor was scaring him somewhat. Their relationship to date had been one fraught with tension and arguments but here he was seeking him out for a chance at a better life. True, no one really knew the life of Professor Snape, nor what he did outside of school, but he was a great Potion's Master and knowledgeable in the Dark Arts. Perhaps he knew of something in there that would help him and no one had wanted to tell him because it was dark magic. Whatever it was, anything had to be better than living in squalor, being treated like a dog without the love and care, and not being fed.

"What do I need?"

"Everything for the summer and when you are back at school. If you agree, you will not be returning here ever again. I will be your guardian."

. . .

The sky was still dark when he arrived at the mystery location, but he could smell pine and the musty scent of a forest nearby. He was led inside, his trunk clunking behind him as he crossed threshold to a pleasantly spacious and well decorated home. There were many pieces of ornate furniture complimented with historical fixtures framing the walls and skirting boards, giving it a Victorian feel but nothing oppressive, it was warm and inviting. When he finally set his eyes properly on his Professor, he saw that he had foregone the traditional teaching robes and had donned something more relaxed for the summer break.

"This is my home, you will remain here until we have come to an agreement. If you take my offer this will become your home also, should you decide otherwise there will be no mistreatment and I will return you back to your relatives."

"Sir, what is this offer you keep eluding to?"

"All in good time, first you are to clean up then I will provide you with a meal. After that, it will be bed and we will speak in the new day. Please, follow me."

Harry did as he was told, which was quite possibly the first time he had done such a thing in all his years being student to Professor Snape. Being shown to his room and then the bathroom, Harry realised that out of all his Professor's at school, his Defence teacher hadn't said a word to him about any of this. He hadn't acted differently or excluded him from things, hadn't ridiculed him like the other Slytherins did, in fact, he was the only person to offer him kindness about his condition since it had started. If he remembered correctly, though his memory was sketchy, his Defence exam had been the last time he'd seized among his peers and Hermione had mentioned it had been Professor Snape to make sure he was okay.

Washing the dirt and grime away from his body, Harry relaxed under the hot spray and let some emotions slip through. It was fine to cry here, the tears mixed with the water cascading from the nozzle and were unseen. When he was done, he changed quickly and went in search of the kitchen where a small table sat in the middle and his Professor sat opposite a set place. It was a simple meal, meat and vegetables with gravy but to Harry it was the tastiest thing he'd eaten in two weeks. Wolfing it back, nothing was said about his lack of table manners but one look up at the man had Harry re-evaluating what he knew about him.

Settling into the single bed offered to him, he had turned over to face away from the door when he heard a knock and a creak as it opened. Peering over his shoulder, he could see the outline of his Professor hovering but not saying a word. Sitting up, Harry was about to speak with the man cut him off and walked into the room.

"Sleep, Potter. Tomorrow will be a big day, regardless of what you choose. You are safe here, so take that chip off your shoulder and relax. Nothing will happen to you tonight, if it does, I will know and assist as required."

"Why are you doing this?"

"We may fight and argue, but when a student is in need, regardless of their house or position, I would intervene. Be assured however, that I have never offered this to another, there are to be no doubts about this. Do you understand?"

"Probably better if you just told me what this medicine would be."

"Tomorrow." Severus replied, pulling the covers up and brushing Harry's shoulder with his fingers before leaving the room.

Surprisingly, Harry didn't find it hard to fall asleep once he was alone. Thinking back on it, he should have checked that there wasn't anything in the food he'd just eaten because it was sitting there waiting for him. Surely Professor Snape wouldn't have drugged him, but maybe that was best because otherwise he wasn't going to sleep with his life up in the air as it was.

When morning came, Harry woke to the smell of a delicious breakfast being prepared down the hall. It left his mouth watering but there was a moment when he thought that perhaps it wasn't for him and he'd be left in the room alone for the day. Then he remembered what was said the night prior and whilst nothing really made sense, he thought it to be better than the reality of being back at Privet Drive or at Hogwarts. He wouldn't be adverse to Professor Snape killing him, at least he wouldn't be in pain any longer.

Seeing the older Wizard ambling about the kitchen cooking was novel, Harry rubbed his eyes harshly from beneath his glasses, not quite believing what he was seeing. There was grace and poise, sure hands gripped the spatula with ease and flipped the pancake, which looked cooked to perfection. Bacon permeated the room and he closed his eyes, smiling in recognition that his last meal would at least be a pleasant one.

"Good morning, Mr. Potter. Take a seat, I will not be long."

They were both casually dressed, well for his Professor it was more casual than he was used to. A simple black shirt had the top two buttons undone and pressed black slacks were hidden at the front by a dark grey apron. His hair was tied back at the nape, having been long enough to do so and was secured by a black ribbon. Everything about this seemed to be a dream, maybe he had been killed already, whatever had been in that dinner last night was a poison creating a lavish afterlife in which he lived with Professor Snape.

"I'm still not sure why you're doing this, but thank you." Harry sat gingerly at the free setting and looked down at the table.

"All will be revealed soon, I hope you slept soundly."

"I did, but you should know that." Harry muttered the last bit quietly, thinking the man couldn't hear.

"Indeed, there was a mild sleeping draught in your juice. I am surprised you had not said anything at the time."

"So you did drug me." Harry wasn't actually angry at this, but a little hurt.

Severus flipped the last pancake and filled a plate, stacked four high with rashers of bacon, strawberries, blueberries and picked up a small pourer of maple syrup on his way over. Setting the plate in front of his student, he saw life spark into his eyes and knew he was doing the right thing.

"Only to enable you a decent sleep, I promise not to do so again without your prior knowledge."

It seemed the intentions were pure and Harry nodded, feeling his mouth salivating at the smell and sight of his breakfast. He was surprised to see nothing but two pieces of toast sitting on a plate in front of his Professor as the man came and sat in front of him but didn't question it. Tucking in, he reached out for the glass of water that had been provided but hesitated before he took it in his hand, what if there was something in this? Should he even tempt fate?

"There is nothing added, I apologize for not informing you last night." Severus commented from over the rim of his mug and Harry nodded.

When they were done, dishes disappeared into the sink with a simple wave of a wand and the air between them changed. Harry started to cave in on himself, nervous as anything to know what would be happening in the close future. He felt very small, like he was at the mercy of his Professor, a man who up until today, had enjoyed giving him tongue lashings and treating him cruelly… No, no that wasn't correct, he had even thought so during his shower. Perhaps he acted with reason after all, disciplined when required but fair in various situations. It seemed, everything Harry thought he knew, was not true.

"I promised you an explanation, and I intend on making my offer very clear." Severus spoke in the silence, bringing the attention of his student up.

"You're making this sound very intimidating."

"Boiling it down, the offer is quite simple but I would like for you to give this serious thought. I meant what I said last night, until you have made a decision, you are to stay here."

"Why are you doing this? I'm a freak with a Muggle medical condition that nobody understands."

"Your struggles are very real and to see you attempting to hold yourself together is painful to watch. You do not deserve such vulgar treatment from anyone and you are young. There is a world out there that you are being stopped from enjoying. In front of me, I see a young man who is desperate for reprieve and I just happen to have a solution that might just benefit us both."

"Benefit each other? What is it you keep talking about vaguely?"

"Before I say more, I want you to be aware that you are not a prisoner here and should you wish to leave, I will escort you back, no questions asked. However, I must urge you to keep certain information from becoming public, it is a sensitive topic, and whilst the Headmaster is very aware of my position, others are not privy to this news."

Swallowing, Harry sat back in his seat, pushing himself safely into the hard back, "Okay… You have my word that I won't tell anyone. But… Sir, you're making me nervous."

"I understand. Harry, you have nothing to fear from me but you must be aware that I am in fact a Vampire. Turned when I finished school and was in the throws of researching dangerous plants in Africa, I have lived this life safely for all these years."

"A V-Vampire? But… I just saw you eat normal food."

"Potter, did you really learn nothing in your Defence class prior to my posting?" Severus sighed but his tone lacked venom, "Some born Vampires can only be sustained through blood of another, but I am not that unfortunate. Now, my offer. Potter. You suffer from seizures which I am quite sure you are aware of. Your mortal body is not equipped to handle these neurological changes or imbalances that cause these unpredictable moments. I believe the correct medical term is Tonic-Clonic Seizures, this is your mind losing consciousness and body jerking uncontrollably. They could be associated with full or partial brain functions, but unless we get you tested there is no way of knowing for sure."

Harry sat there feeling numb, someone was explaining to him what was happening and it was creating an anxious tightening in his stomach. Scared that he was going to have another one in the mans company, he started fidgeting, only to stop when a hand rested atop both of his, clasped tightly on the table in front of them.

"I believe yours are triggered by stress. Know that if you do have another one, there is no judgement and I will see to it you are properly cared for. Now," Severus removed his hands and sat up straighter in his chair, "Muggles do not have conclusive evidence for a cure but I can offer one that will change your way of life should you accept."

"Go on…" Harry looked skeptical.

"Vampires are a superior species to Witches and Wizards, our blood is, for the most part, more pure and lacks enzymes and bacteria that risk infection or illness. We live far more healthy lives than most, and this is important when drinking the blood of a fellow Vampire. Potter, I am offering you the option of having your medical condition cured in the process of turning you into a familiar. You would become a fledgling under my care and guidance, for all intents and purposes, I would become your Sire whilst you are nurtured into a fully turned Vampire."

. . .

Harry's head pounded and he groaned in confusion. His memory seemed to be hazy and he last remembered sitting at the small dinner table with his Defence Professor. Oh, that's right… He told me something but what was it? I can't remember, Harry tried to open his eyes but found something damp and heavy sitting across them. Something warm brushed his forehead and that was when he realised he was on a soft surface, the familiar scent of his Professor reminding him of where they were and why he was there.

"I-I'm sorry…"

"You have nothing to apologize for. I note that these seem to be increasing in their frequency, however. Do you remember what we were talking about?" Severus removed his hand and pulled the damp cloth away from his students eyes, placing it in his lap.

"Something about Vampires and blood."

"Indeed, I mentioned that I am a Vampire and to remove this burden from you, have offered to turn you."

"Right, that rings a bell." Harry muttered, unable to find the energy to sit up.

"I realize it is a lot to take in and do not expect you to make such a rash decision. We shall postpone this conversation for a later time to give you some space. I will not be leaving this house but that does not mean you are forbidden from leaving. You will be aware of the risks of doing so alone."

This was his option? Live a life of epileptic fits or become a blood-drinking Vampire? The world had gone completely insane. Back it up… Professor Snape has been a Vampire all these years and none of us noticed? Harry groaned again as his head throbbed and he raised a shaking hand to the side and closed his eyes. He didn't want to have think about something so intense right now. It seemed his Professor could see this and after having left the room abruptly, he returned with vial with clear liquid.

"For the headache, nothing more." And then he was gone again.

. . .

Professor Snape's house wasn't too bad. It was spacious enough that they didn't run into one another but small that any noise he made that resembled a bang had the man poking his head around the corner. He assumed it was because he was checking to see if another fit was happening but he was fine for now. It had been two days since the bombshell news that his Professor was a Vampire and had been offered to be turned in order to stop his seizures but he was still no closer to coming to a decision. He'd have thought it to be easy but what did being a Vampire even consist of? Professor Snape still acted like a normal Wizard but he hadn't gotten around to asking more about his personal tastes. This was next on the agenda and when they sat down for dinner, Harry finally broached the subject.

"Sir, can I ask you something?"

"Anything you need."

"Well, I've… been watching you act like normal and haven't seen anything remotely different. Do you drink blood away from me… Or do you just don't need it?"

"I feed, yes. Though I do not openly broadcast this, especially not with you here with me."

"Do you have fangs?" Harry put his fork down and bit down on his lip, considering what the answer might be.

"I do. My body possesses the typical attributes that a Vampire would normally acquire."

"So, you have the pheromone thing too?"

"An allure, yes. However, I will not show you until a decision has been made. There will be no coercion in the equation, this has to be your decision and one I will honour. As I said, should you decide against it, you may return to your relatives and we will not speak of this again."

"And you're sure it will cure my fits?"

"One hundred percent."

"It's that easy?"

Severus sighed, collecting himself before answering. It wasn't as simple as that, no. There were many things he needed to consider, both of them to think about, but he was committed to ensuring the teens safety through this as well. Whilst they would become Sire and fledgling, there would be a point, a cross roads, where their relationship could become more just as easily as they could go their separate ways. Harry needed to be aware of this, needed to know the implications.

"If it were, you would have made a decision already. However, because you have read up on the topic as well as covered it in class, you already know that it is not quite this simple."

"But it is, really. I won't fit and can live my life again."

"For the most part, yes. You will be dependent on my guidance and nurturing for a time until you have fully matured, from that point you make the decision to stay or go."

"Stay or go? What does that mean?"

"Ask yourself whether becoming bonded as mates is something you see happening in the future. If not, then it would be safe to assume once you have matured, you will make your own tracks."

Oh. Harry had forgotten about that. He never believed these creatures to be romantic but he remembered getting confused between the Muggle shows he'd watched where the biting process was rather erotic. Back then, he'd thought being a Vampire would be cool but suddenly he was holding the fate of his existence in both hands and it wasn't as appealing as he'd once thought. Anything had to be better than his life now, and he'd decided there were only going to be two options for him. Die or become a Vampire. What one warranted the better life?

"Okay." Harry nodded, looking somewhat glum and held out his hand, "I agree."

Severus put down his cutlery and studied the desperate teen in front of him. There seemed no hesitation or disgust in his action but simply a resigned sealing of fate. Perhaps he should have clarified the process one went through to turn another but he could explain that later when they sat down to talk it over properly. For now, he took the offered hand and shook it gently.

"May I enquire as to what made your decision so final?" Severus picked up his wine and took a sip, watching the teen carefully.

"There were only two options. I guess this was the better one for me to achieve my goals."

Severus didn't ask what the second option was; guessing by the watery effect his eyes acquired after it was said, he assumed something in particular. A teenager shouldn't be feeling like that, they should be enjoying their impending freedom into adulthood once graduating, not coming up with reasons to live.

. . .

Harry was nervous, he sat on the edge of his bed wringing both hands together and a knot was tightening in his stomach. This was the day of his turning, over the next few weeks he was going to learn all about what it was like to become a Vampire, feeding off another and getting used to various impulses or desires that would come along. To his credit, Professor Snape was very reassuring and comforting about the situation. He couldn't pinpoint whether it was because he trusted the man or had just resigned himself to the new reality that was coming his way.

The day prior they had spoken about the ritual, well it wasn't so much a ritual as it was biting until almost death then taking the blood of his Sire. Whilst their relationship wasn't romantic or sexual, it was still an intimate process, which was why he sat on his bed waiting for the older Wizard to enter for them to begin. His Professor had been very insistent that at any point up until now, he could still turn away and they forget about the whole thing but he didn't want to go back to the Dursley's. That was how desperate he was for a different life, from the moment he was turned, he would live with his teacher until the end of summer where he would be able to make his own way.

"Are you ready?"

Twitching in fright, he watched as his Professor walked into the room slowly, dressed as he normally was with a plain black shirt and slacks. He had two vials in his hands that Harry couldn't identify and felt his heart hammering away within his ribcage, nerves getting the better of him.

"I-I think so."

"Very well, this is what will happen –No, ignore these for now," Severus put the two vials on the bedside table and sat beside the teen, "They are not part of the process but are for afterwards as you adjust. If you could remove your hooded jumper, we wouldn't want to get that bloody now, would we?"

For the first time in a very long time, Harry paused in what he was doing when he saw a different warmth in his Professor's black eyes. He concluded that he was making it up, the nerves getting to him and discarded his hoodie at the other end of the bed. When he turned back, the older Wizard was unbuttoning his shirt, exposing part of his chest.

"I am going to bite you, just in here." Severus raised his hand and with his index and middle finger, pressed against Harry's jugular that pulsed under his touch, "It will pinch, it may even hurt for a moment as blood is extracted from your system. The next part will be the only time I will use my allure on you, just so you are completely aware and comfortable in that knowledge, this is to guide you up to here." He then pointed at his own neck on the opposite side and motioned with both fingers once more, "This will encourage you to bite me when the time is right; this is sealing the bond as Sire and fledgling. Your body may go into shock but do not panic, that is what the potions are for. This process will be extracting the negative forces that inhibit your body, you may feel strange and experience an outer body situation but this will all come to heal once you have settled into the new position."

Harry took a deep breath.

"This is your last chance to back out, from here there is no going back and we will become familiar until your full maturity."

"I'm scared but this is what needs to happen." Harry nodded resolutely, trying to squash the feeling of impending doom.

"Potter, from the moment I pierce your flesh, you sign your care into my hands. I will keep you sane and healthy, your well-being is my responsibility and there will be times where my natural instincts for protecting you will overbear rationality. They will not endanger you, but those who try to get between us in these early stages."

"I understand."

"Very well."

Severus stood at this and parted Harry's legs to slip one in the gap, the other knelt on the bed and he looked down upon the exposed neck being willingly handed over. The teen was looking at him but he refused to let his teeth show until he was less than an inch away from pulsing flesh, and as an after thought he removed the round frames so they wouldn't get damaged. He held Harry securely with one hand on his shoulder, and the other curling around his lower back to keep him steady but once he was in position, he was swift.

The pinching of skin hurt, Harry hadn't been prepared for such pain but the moment it registered from him his mind went blank. The only thing he did was open his eyes and stare at the wall in front of him from an angle as he felt himself losing blood. Whilst he couldn't think, he was spatially aware and could feel his eyes growing heavy along with his limbs. That was when he felt an urge, an indescribable desire to move. He was drawn to the pale neck in front of him, he'd never experienced a wanting or longing quite like it before and closed his eyes as he bit down on the skin. He did not possess fangs, his canines had not grown in this process but he felt compelled to try anyway, to mimic what was happening to him.

Severus felt the thin body starting to quiver and shake, this was a crucial part of the process and he urged further to get Harry to bite him and replenish what he'd lost. He had never turned anyone, only had his own experience to go by but he was not concerned about their progress. Harry was responding well to his advances and finally, when the time came he felt the pinch of sharp teeth pierce his neck. The younger Wizard's body was almost limp in his arms but he kept them upright as blood spilled down his collarbone and peck. Harry wasn't drinking, he was too far gone to let it run along his tongue and down into his system.

Able to reach out and grab one of the vials off the bedside table, he repositioned them so they were horizontal along the bed. He licked the puncture marks he'd made and pulled away, feeling elongated canines slipping from his own neck before unstopping the vial and forcefully pouring his freshly extracted blood into Harry's mouth. A fledgling did not take much, especially not when being turned, they would feed regularly, taking small doses as they went. They would repeat this process again within the next day, completely purging Harry of his mortal blood and replacing it with Severus's. For now, all he could do was ensure his fledgling was comfortable and at peace with the situation they were now in. The Gryffindor didn't have to like it, but this was now his reality.

Blood was steadily dripping between them as Severus looked down on his student, for the most part he appeared unconscious as his body worked over time to replenish what was taken, so he knew he would be free to clean himself up before anything else happened. Putting a hand to the puncture marks, he stood and left the room briefly in order to get a small towel.

When he returned, Harry was looking at him but he knew it was through blurred vision as he did not possess his glasses. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he wiped the remaining blood off his neck and chest before brushing the hair from the younger Wizards face. Things would be slow going for now, his fledgling needed to rest, then would need food.

"I feel strange." Harry croaked.

"As expected." Severus delicately placed his glasses back on his face.

"You're still bleeding… am I?" Harry went to reach up to his throat but was stopped.

"No, you have not learnt to close the marks just yet. That will come in time, for now, take some time to explore the sensations you feel. You are not to get up, if you need anything I will be right here."

. . .

Their next session went more smoothly but left Harry feeling very drained. Severus admitted he had taken more than he should have the first day and with the inability to feed soon after, had left his younger charge hungry and malnourished. After this, Harry's first official feeding went much better, he had been offered a wrist instead of a plump neck vein but it seemed to tie him over for the mean time and left him in a better mood. Severus reasoned that he could heal the puncture himself but after the first time, it seemed his student was a natural. They did this three times a day alongside a normal healthy diet so for Harry, his routine didn't change too much.

Now it was time to study and get his grades back to what they were. He was easily able to catch up with all classes except for Potions but it seemed his Professor was only happy to help in that department and they regularly spent the afternoons in a makeshift laboratory where he could practice. Being a fledgling, the only issues he faced was with blood and using that in the recipes. Other than that, by the time school was starting back up, Harry was confidently up to date and was able to feed well enough off his Professor.

Severus had decided he would continue to supply Harry with his fortnightly feeding to save the trouble of finding a donor at his age. Too many questions would be asked and he had no intentions of making Albus aware of what had occurred over the break. For this purpose, he really needed the teen to be feeding from the neck, it was quicker and more effective as a matured Vampire. He was still young of course, but his feeding was able to be stretched out and a Vampire was able to last three weeks well enough between feeding. He practiced this himself with his own donor, not that Harry had been privy to this information just yet, it wasn't the right time and quite frankly, none of his business.

The time had come however, for Harry to try his hand at properly biting his Professor and again, he found himself nervous about it all. He was sitting on the couch, hands clamped between his knees as he waited to be joined.

"Harry, I am going to use my allure unless you calm your aura." Severus commented, coming into the living area.

"Sorry, sir. The first time didn't really go too well and – "

"That was because you were new to this. We have been feeding you this summer successfully with a wrist but if we are going to continue this as you progressively mature, the neck is best. Now, come." Severus held out his hand and Harry took it, standing facing each other.

Severus then went about unbuttoning his shirt, exposing his neck and collarbone, noticing how the look of hunger entered green orbs that eyed his neck seriously. Yes, Harry had matured greatly over the summer and his body had changed also to fit that of a Vampire. Visually, he appeared healthier and had more meat on his frame, the sallow and ghostly cheeks had filled out and complimented the defined jawline. They'd had no issues with seizures or anything of that kind after the turning and Severus fully believed he had made the right decision for the teen.

"Let me see them." Severus stated, bringing the younger Vampire from his hungered thoughts.

Harry opened his mouth and felt a hand cupping his cheek as a thumb lifted his top lip to expose one canine. Severus knew it was sharp, it had yet to be teethed, or worn down, as it was still a baby tooth and intentionally cut himself on it to draw blood. The effect was instantaneous and Harry locked his lips around the digit, sucking for blood before licking it clean as it was withdrawn. His top lip was pulled back again and the elongated fang was shown. Satisfied, Severus nodded and tiled his head, giving his student permission to drink.

He had elected to have them standing, their height difference was perfect in that any run off that wasn't sucked in would at least be captured by the tongue. He had not been fed from often, this was something that was done either out of desperation or through a relationship such as the one they were in. Still, the sharp pierce to his neck still had his pain receptors going and a light v of a frown forming between his brows. The teen was holding him delicately enough, his hands tentatively gripping both shoulders and he had an arm wrapped around Harry's waist to hold him still.

This was going to be his last feed until they were back at school, so he tempted the teen to take more than he usually did but there seemed to be no problem in stopping him from progressing. The teen didn't know when he should stop so after a light tap on the defined hip bone, Harry knew to back away and lick the punctures closed. Filled with his life source, Harry wiped his mouth, one canine getting caught on his lip and he stretched his lips to bring it back in. There was a glint of softness in black eyes that he caught for a nanosecond before it was gone and his Professor walked away.

. . .

Authors Note:I can confirm a second chapter.